Kane Co. police warn of increase in solicitors

Peddlers selling magazines, newspapers, foods and other knickknacks are making the rounds in parts of rural Kane County, sparking an increase in calls to the sheriff's office.

On warm weekdays, deputies typically deal with reports of suspicious people in unincorporated county neighborhoods and find an entrepreneur with something for sale.

Solicitors in Kane County are required to obtain a permit to sell door-to-door, but many sellers -- and potential customers -- are unaware of the law, said Lt. Pat Gengler, a sheriff's spokesman.

"Some go (solicitors) ahead and get the permits but others are unaware they even need a permit," Gengler said.

Kane County law also bars solicitation on Sunday and the rest of the week before 11 a.m. and after 7 p.m. Sellers also are prohibited from going to homes with a sign that says "No Solicitors."

The county code requires solicitors -- religious organizations are exempt -- to obtain a permit from the Kane County clerk and provide a copy the sheriff's office.

Violators of the code face up to a $500 ticket if they are caught without a permit.

Residents also are advised to report potential scammers and to never let a peddler into their homes, Gengler said.

"There are rules these guys have to play by, and it's OK to ask them for their permit," he said.

For more information on solicitors, contact the sheriff's Community Policing office at (630) 208-2104.